Testing 1...2...3

[MaxBottomtime]

Today was one of those days when everything was a trial run. I wanted to try my new obsidian stage for reflective shots. I also wanted to see if my repairs on the boat held up. I replaced both alternators a couple of weeks ago but we've waited for the ocean to calm a bit before going out. Everything ran great until the fuel gauge suddenly dropped from full to empty. I quickly checked to see if we had a bilge full of gas. Fortunately, it was likely a sticking fuel tank sending unit. It began working fine a minute later. The fishfinder still is intermittent, but I have a new transducer to change when we haul the boat out later this year. I tested it last week and it worked great. We managed to get out for one dive and back in without having to call Vessel Assist, so it was a good day as far as the boat goes.

Diving was another story. Visibility at Kevin's Reef was a dark four feet with a lot of sand stirred up on the bottom. Merry left after thirty minutes or so. I stuck it out just to play with the new stage. I didn't find many subjects during the 9:00 am night dive. I can't wait to try the stage in better conditions. From what I got, I was happy with the reflections.

 

[Ken Kurtis]

Nice shots with the stage. The reflections are cool and give you a new dimension. However and FWIW . . .

David Doubilet (so you're in good company) caught a lot of flack some years ago doing similar shots on the basis of it was not shooting animals in their natural habitat, but required handling them, pulling them off where they'd normally be, put them on your stage, and then - hopefully - return them to where you found them. The issue is whether this induces stress into the animals that might make them, even temporarily, more vulnerable to predation. And obviously, you could inadvertently harm the animal as well either when taking it off or putting it back.

Just some things to consider.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Nice shots with the stage. The reflections are cool and give you a new dimension. However and FWIW . . .

David Doubilet (so you're in good company) caught a lot of flack some years ago doing similar shots on the basis of it was not shooting animals in their natural habitat, but required handling them, pulling them off where they'd normally be, put them on your stage, and then - hopefully - return them to where you found them. The issue is whether this induces stress into the animals that might make them, even temporarily, more vulnerable to predation. And obviously, you could inadvertently harm the animal as well either when taking it off or putting it back.

Just some things to consider.

I try not to touch any animal while diving. I sweep the nudis off the substrate with the stage or my glove much in the way surge does. I never actually touch them. I then allow the nudi to land on the stage. After taking a few shots, I shake the stage a little until the nudi drops back to the spot I found them in.

It's an understandable concern, but I definitely try not to do anything but disrupt their crawling for a minute or so. I don't do that if they're eating or laying eggs.

 

[geoff w]

Your shots are amazing, as always. I love how the shininess of your new stage lets you see colors and texture that aren't visible on a non-reflective surface. Please post more!

 

[Johnoly]

.. try my new obsidian stage for reflective shots.

I've never heard of this stage. Do you have a picture of it and how it works? Cool Foto's!!!!

 

[MaxBottomtime]